SOME ASPECTS REGARDING THE REPARATION METHODS USED IN OILFIELD EQUIPMENT

Reparation and maintenance methods used in oilfield equipment domain, especially in the case of masts, are a constant subject that concerns specialists because of the big costs that they involve. For the oilfield equipment engineers, this problem has two important aspects: to prevent and to repair damages that can occur. So, a close technique is needed when reparation is executed, and this technique must provide five principal steps: Ito discover the damages; IIto determine the causes that produced damages; IIIto evaluate the load-carrying capacity of the structure in its actual condition; IVto estimate reparations that must be made; Vto choose and to describe in detail the reparation method. 1. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS Service and maintenance methods used in oilfield equipment, especially in the case of masts, are a constant subject that concerns specialists, because of the big costs that they involve. In the engineering practice, complex problems due to oilfield equipment’s service occur. Some of these problems cannot be fully resolved by a theoretical manner and others require a strategic combination between the analytical calculus and the experimental measurements (non-destructive testing). The latest developments in measurement techniques, the modern recording devices, the automated data acquiring and their evaluation, including the obtained images, are essential elements that contribute to the widespread use of the experimental analysis method and of the non-destructive testing in research and design. These methods are very necessary in a various directions, like equipments` and structures` design, in order to save energy or raw materials, and to increase their functional safety. These methods are useful, also, for the surveillance of the operating systems, of the equipments and installations, with the purpose of ensuring the utmost safety and minimizing risks. Hence, the methods of the experimental mechanics and the non-destructive testing are very important and needful for the present and future risk management’s strategies. In parallel with design, a monitoring system during execution and during the normal functioning of the equipment is implemented. Since the execution stage, and especially during the normal functioning, all the measurements must give assurances that the equipments` behaviour is according to plan. The measured data are compared to design ones and, if it is necessary, the design data will be modified. I. e., the calculus vademecum will be remade and, after conclusions, the new technical characteristics of the equipment will be set: downgraded, operating under certain conditions etc The periodical technical inspections have the role to establish non-repairable defects that may remain until the next technical expertise (certification period) and, also, those that affect the safe operation and for which the optimal constructive solution for repairing is indicated. The operation’s safety of machinery, equipments and drilling rigs` resistance structures depends on their condition, able to be determined by using a control method. The repair work represents a set of specialized operations in order to investigate the appeared defects, to provide spare parts, to perform breakdown service and/or to replace ANNALS of the ORADEA UNIVERSITY. Fascicle of Management and Technological Engineering, Volume IX (XIX), 2010, NR3